Dr. Joseph Farkas
Veterinarian
Butch grew up in South Euclid and graduated from Miami University (1991) and The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine (1995). Butch joined the practice in 1998 and loved practicing with his mom and dad for a few years before his mother’s passing in 2004 and his father’s retirement in 2010. Butch lives in Highland Heights with his wife and 3 sons. Life is very busy, but he still finds time to enjoy working out at the gym, traveling, camping, attending his sons’ events, and playing pickleball.
Dr. Benjamin Zucker
Veterinarian
Ben graduated from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine in 2016 and completed specialty internships in emergency medicine and radiology post-graduation. He works out and stays active in his spare time, he also enjoys watching Marvel movies and TV. Ben has a spoiled black cat named Virgil, who’s his best buddy. He is a well-traveled cat, accompanying Ben on his travels during his internships. He also recently added a second cat, Gabriel to the mix.
Dr. George Banta
Veterinarian
Born and raised in Indianapolis, Dr. Banta received his undergraduate degree at Trinity College, then a master’s degree at Purdue University. He worked for 8 years as a rubber compounder for Bridgestone/Firestone before graduating from The Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Banta interned at Carolina Veterinary Specialists in Greensboro, NC, and he spent much of his career working as an emergency vet in specialty hospitals. Dr. Banta also ran the Brown Mackie College Veterinary Technician program in Akron, Ohio, for 2 years, and has been at Belvoir since 2013. He currently has a cat named Hecate, who he loves dearly.
Selina Tyson
Veterinary Technician R.V.T
Selina Graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 2009. She earned her Veterinary Technician degree from Stautzenberger College in 2013. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing, nature, fashion, and her pets. She has 2 rabbits (Panther and Cheetah) and a dog (Layla). Something that many people do not know about Selina is that she is Fear Free Animal Professional, Certified since 2020, helping our patients with fear and anxiety.
Veronica Carr
Veterinary Technician R.V.T.
Veronica graduated from Cuyahoga Community College in 2007 and has been working in the veterinary landscape since 2006. Veronica enjoys interacting with our clients and believes that client education is very important. Veronica used to sing in a band before she had her two children, and her children are now her audience. She enjoys family time and has three cats, one dog, a Chinese water dragon, and a leopard gecko.
Ryan Hawkins
Veterinary Technician R.V.T
Ryan graduated from veterinary technician school in 2016 and had experience in emergency medical clinics before coming to Belvoir. When Ryan is not at Belvoir, she likes to spend time with her animals and boyfriend, especially watching movies. Ryan has quite a collection of animals: 3 dogs (Alli, Rudy, and Bel), 7 wonderful cats (Dweezil, Napoleon, Off-Brand Dweezil, Potato, Puddle, Rhonda, and Spicy) and a ferret (Ruth). She enjoys the little family she has created!
Danielle Varanese
Office Manager
Danielle grew up in Cleveland, went to Mayfield High School, and still resides in Mayfield with her family. She worked for Belvoir as a receptionist from 1996 to 2002 and returned to Belvoir in 2020 as our office manager. Her love for animals has continued to grow throughout her life. Danielle started a non-profit in 2020, “CC’s Cupboard Pet Food Pantry”, that assists low-income families with food and pet supplies. Besides serving her community, she loves reading and spending time with her family. She also has a houseful of pets: two dogs (Chili and Luna) and two cats (Lucifer and Munchkin).
Jaiden Varanese
Receptionist
Jaiden was born and raised in the Mayfield are and works with her mom, Danielle. She graduated from Mayfield High School in 2021 and attended Cuyahoga Community College to obtain her Associate of Arts degree. She loves reading, scrapbooking, and crochet. Jaiden has a wonderful heart for animals and has four pets: a dog, (Sully), a guinea pig (Piggie), and 2 red foot tortoises (Myrtle and Mable).
Melanie Hammond
Receptionist
Melanie grew up in Cleveland and graduated from St. Joseph Academy. She has really enjoyed working in the veterinary business for many years. Her son, Tyler, is a local high school basketball coach, and Melanie is a huge sports fan whether it’s watching a game or tailgating. She also enjoys cooking and spending time with her family. Her handsome french bulldog, Kool Aide, is an important part of her family,and she even has a stuffed replica of her best buddy at the office.
Meghan Fox
Receptionist
Meghan graduated from Cuyahoga Community College in 2006 in applied business in visual communication and design. She also received a certificate of proficiency in graphic design. In May of 2008, Meghan joined the team at Belvoir as a receptionist. In her spare time away from work she loves to shop, bake, and go to the movies. She has two dogs (Gunner and Benson).
Kayla Turben
Technician Assistant
Kayla grew up in Akron, graduated from Kent State University in 2021, and began veterinary technician school soon after. She has worked in the veterinary field since she was 17. Kayla loves working with clients and pets and has an interest in animal behavior and training. She loves classic novels and hiking with her husband, Jake. They have a dog (Theo), 2 cats(Brynn and Alice), and 2 bearded dragons (Marvel and Mushu).
Dustin Coffey
Technician Assistant
Dustin grew up in the Cleveland area and graduated from Mayfield High School in 2015. Dustin likes to work on technology and play video games in his spare time. He has previous experience working in a doggy daycare setting for 10+ years. Dustin is one of three children and grew up with poodles, including the latest family member named Cooper. Dustin’s main job is working with the surgical team, and he really enjoys working with the animals that come through our doors.
